Lilly Diabetes Sponsors the American Diabetes Association and NASCAR Driver Ryan Reed to Increase Diabetes Awareness and Education

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Lilly Diabetes today announced it is supporting NASCAR driver Ryan Reed and the American Diabetes Association (the Association) on Drive to Stop DiabetesSM, a national diabetes awareness initiative. As part of the campaign, Lilly Diabetes will help sponsor Reed’s car, the No. 16 American Diabetes Association Drive to Stop DiabetesSM Ford Mustang, for the remainder of the 2013 and all of the 2014 racing seasons. Reed has competed in several Nationwide Series races for Roush Fenway Racing in 2013 and will continue throughout the 2014 season.

In February 2011, Reed received the life-changing news that he had type 1 diabetes and was told he would never race again. He refused to give up his dream of racing and has since become an inspiration for millions of people living with diabetes by continuing to pursue his goals while managing his diabetes.

To help spread his message, Reed – through his non-profit Ryan’s Mission – collaborated with the Association on the Drive to Stop DiabetesSM initiative. Launched earlier this year, it brings awareness and diabetes education to thousands of spectators at select NASCAR races nationwide, as well as at several off-track health and wellness initiatives.

“Ryan refused to accept that his diagnosis was the end to his dreams. Instead, he saw it as his personal challenge to go beyond and build awareness, become a role model and give hope to all those affected by the disease,” said Mike Mason, vice president, U.S., Lilly Diabetes. “A major emphasis of our work is driven by the belief that people with diabetes should first be seen as individuals. It’s why Lilly Diabetes is proud to support the American Diabetes Association and Drive to Stop DiabetesSM. As an American institution, with roots that go back generations, we are excited to embark on this initiative with the hopes of continuing to inform and inspire people affected by the disease.”

Lilly, a leader in diabetes care for nearly 90 years, has been providing solutions and support for people affected by diabetes since 1923 when the company introduced the world’s first commercialized insulin. Many of the company’s programs and solutions are designed around feedback from people who live with the disease every day. 

“Together, the Association and Ryan Reed have accomplished a tremendous amount in just the first few months of Drive to Stop DiabetesSM, and bringing Lilly Diabetes on board will add another dimension,” said Larry Hausner, chief executive officer, American Diabetes Association. “Lilly has a deep understanding of what it takes to help people overcome the daily challenges of managing the disease, and we’re excited about the future of Drive to Stop DiabetesSM and the impact we will make together on this initiative.”

“By 2050, as many as one in three American adults will have diabetes1, unless steps are taken to stop it,” said Ryan Reed. “I’m so honored that Lilly Diabetes shares my vision and has pledged their support to the Drive to Stop DiabetesSM campaign. I know that with their help, and with the continued support of the Association, we can win this race – the most important one of my life – the race to Stop Diabetes.”

Eli Lilly PR

Speedway Digest Staff
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